For the first time during the Joel Embiid era, the Philadelphia 76ers took care of business against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Playoffs.
The NBA world watched the Sixers put together an unlikely comeback as a seventh seed going against the No. 2 seed, while trailing 1-3 in the series. Former 76ers big man Dwight Howard was tuned into the Game 7 action on Saturday night and took to social media to show love after the job was done.
via Dwight Howard on X: The Process 😤
Howard, a basketball Hall of Famer, spent a brief period with the 76ers during his long and successful playing career.
Before he made it to Philadelphia, Howard entered the league straight out of high school in 2004. He was the first-overall pick coming from Atlanta, Georgia. Howard played a long chunk of his career with the Orlando Magic.
After eight years in Orlando, Howard made the move to the Los Angeles Lakers. That pairing would last just one season before Howard went to the Houston Rockets, pairing with the current 76ers President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey.
GettyEL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Dwight Howard speaks to the press during Los Angeles Lakers media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 27, 2019 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Following a three-year run with Houston, Howard started bouncing around the league. Over time, he would end up in Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, and Los Angeles for a second stint.
The Sixers signed Howard in 2020, months after he became an NBA Champion for the first time in his career. Howard was the backup center for the Lakers. The Sixers added Howard and Danny Green from that team, with hopes they could help get the 76ers to the title series.
Howard played nearly 70 games for the 76ers in 2020-2021 as Joel Embiid’s primary backup. He saw the court for 17.3 minutes per game, posting averages of 7.0 points and 8.4 rebounds.
The Sixers won their first-round series that year, but dropped out of the second round. Howard was widely viewed as a fan favorite in Philadelphia throughout that season, but he didn’t return for a second stint. Instead, Howard ended up on the Lakers for a third and final stint.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 08: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic laughs in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center on December 8, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Although Howard spent a short period of time with the Sixers, he’s clearly still happy for their early success in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
The legendary center is rooting for his former teammate, Embiid, who put together a stellar first-round showing. Embiid returned in Game 4 just 17 days after surgery. The veteran center finished the series averaging 28.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game.
The Sixers have the day off on Sunday, before hitting the court in New York City for a battle against the New York Knicks on Monday night.